During the Transnational Exchange, partners from BEPROACT, STORM_SAFE, and ATHENA took part in a series of innovation sessions and hands-on demonstrations, offering practical insights into strengthening Critical Infrastructure Resilience across Europe.
The programme highlighted how applied innovation, digital technologies, and knowledge exchange can directly support public authorities and infrastructure managers in adopting data-driven approaches.
One of the sessions focused on cyber-resilience and skills development, where the ATHENA project presented a Virtual Reality–based, gamified cyber-security training. The interactive demonstration increased cyber-awareness among participants and inspired discussions on how similar approaches could be integrated into future training and upskilling activities within BEPROACT and STORM_SAFE.
Another key highlight was the demonstration of MESAS, the Multifunctional Assessment Tool for Pavements, by German partner BASt (Bundesanstalt für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen). Over three days, BASt provided live demonstrations to partners from all three projects and carried out a transnational application on Dutch highways, collecting real structural and pavement data for further analysis. This activity enabled valuable cross-border learning and comparison of asset assessment practices.
The University of Lille showcased its innovative Connected Helmet, a wearable solution designed to support the rapid detection of fine cracks through advanced sensing technologies. The hands-on demonstration illustrated how wearable solutions can improve condition assessments and enhance safety for professionals working on-site.
In addition to the technical sessions, participants visited the ASML Experience Centre. The visit offered insight into the factors underpinning Europe’s global competitiveness, including multidisciplinary expertise, highly skilled professionals, and strong human capital. These values strongly align with the objectives of BEPROACT, STORM_SAFE, and ATHENA and are essential for building resilient, future-ready organisations.
The Transnational Exchange demonstrated the strength of cross-programme collaboration, hands-on innovation, and Europe’s diverse human capital. Together, these elements form a solid foundation for advancing data-driven asset management and strengthening critical infrastructure resilience across Europe.
